Best Of 2017 | NIGHTLIFE

Jacob Greif

Best Karaoke

MONTEREY CAFE

This island-themed oasis beckons patrons with the intimate afterglow of neon bar signs, monstrous pizzas and late-night karaoke every day of the week. It's the only place in town where it feels just right to hear Jimmy Buffett, Sia and Neil Diamond back-to-back-to-back with strangers and best friends alike. (JORDY BYRD)

Two words: power recliners. The AMC movie theater is in River Park Square, the anchor of downtown, and there's nothing so invigorating as riding the crisscross elevators to the top. Reserve your seats online so you can shop, grab a martini or bowl of pasta before the show. It's more than a movie, it's an experience. (JB)

No club in Spokane is as dedicated to having its patrons enjoy complete social freedom as nYne. It features a fully functional version of every kind of positive club experience you could want, from the stand-and-chat bar on its west end, to its lounge seating, to its dive-bar pricing (which is a steal, if I'm being honest). The crown jewel of the space, however, is a dance floor likely bigger than any other in town, and certainly the only one I've ever worked up the courage to throw down on. (JORDAN SATTERFIELD)

2nd PLACE: Impulse; 3rd PLACE: Stray; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Mik's, CdA

Best Live Music Venue

Best All-Ages Venue

THE BARTLETT

Track records don't lie, people. The staff at the Bartlett is the most musically passionate of any venue in town, a fact that influences every aspect of the business they do. They book among the best acts we've ever had in town, the sound is always ace, and even the drinks have a taste of creative passion within. (JS)

Best Live Music Venue: 2nd PLACE: The Knitting Factory; 3rd PLACE: Zola

I've lived in places where you can stick a couple of keno and video poker machines in the corner of a dive bar and call it a "casino." Clearly our readers are a classier lot, preferring the big-time feel of Northern Quest as their favorite gaming destination. Between its sprawling floor full of table games, oceans of slots, poker tables and separate areas for smokers and non-smokers to play happily, there's anything an experienced player or beginner could want, including lessons, a luxurious hotel nearby and plenty of dining spots when you want to take a pause in the action. (DAN NAILEN)

2nd PLACE: Coeur d'Alene Casino; 3rd PLACE: Aces Casino

Best Sports Bar

EPIC

Quality sports bars must have, at a minimum, great food and an abundance of excellent TV screens. EPIC at Northern Quest certainly fits the bill, starting with a menu that serves stellar grub from breakfast until the last whistle of the night games. And the monster-sized TV screen — 30 feet by 10 feet — makes Seahawks games (among others) seem almost as good as sitting at the Clink itself. (DN)

Around for more than two decades, Lilac's 32 lanes are a mainstay for parties, leagues and get-togethers. Fridays and Saturdays are Cosmic Bowling nights, offering black lights to create a unique bowling experience. The alley also offers drinks and grub while you roll, and a casino and poker room if you'd rather play a hand instead. (TUCK CLARRY)

Colin Burk is getting the hang of this thing. The bearded emcee hosts trivia Monday nights at Press and Tuesdays at the Backyard Public House (this year's runner-up). It's free to play, and teams can win various trinkets and doodads. The first-place winner gets a gift certificate. Burk enforces all the traditional trivia rules: no cellphones, don't shout out the answer, write legibly. But his No. 1 command? DON'T BE A DICK! (MITCH RYALS)